Projectile



May 11, 1937. J, H. HARRIS 2979937 PROJECTILE Filed Oct. 22, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor J H jfa rrz is Attorney May 11, 1937. J, H, HA 2,079,937

PROJECTILE Filed Oct. 22, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor J .H HQr'fZlS 1 Attorney Patented May 11, 1937 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE PBOJECTILE John H. Harris, Peter-bore, N. Y.

Application October 22, 1934, Serial No. 749,458

1 Claim.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in catapults and projectiles therefor the principal object being to provide an outset of this character constructed in such a manner as to afford more accuracy in the delivery of the projectile.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a projectile for various forms of catapults wherein the projectile is adapted to receive its projecting force at its exact center of gravity.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a catapult and projectile assembly wherein the delivering force is applied equally to both the top and bottom portions of the projectile.

These and various other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a side elevational view ,of the assembly with the rubber bands in partly stretched position.

Figure 2 represents a top plan view of the outset with the bands in partly stretched position, showing the catapult without the projectile.

Figure 3 represents a face elevational view of the catapult iork.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of one form of the projectile.

Figure 5 represents a side elevational view of the form of the invention shown in Figure 4, with a part of the same in section.

Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the penetrating pin.

Figure 7 represents a side elevatlonal view partly in section showing a modified form of projectile wherein the pin is fixed to the body of the projectile.

Figure 8 represents an elevational view showing another form of projectile wherein parts are stream-lined.

Figure 9 represents a plan view of the projectile shown in Figure 8.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that the catapult consists of the fork 5 having the handle 6 and the eyes 'I--| suitably secured to theupper ends of the yoke arms.

The means for producing the driving force for the projectile consists of two lengths of rubber or elastic material of several rubber bands 8 looped together in the manner substantially shown in Figure 2. One end of each 0! these elastic members is secured to a corresponding eye I of the fork 5 while its opposite end is connected to the corresponding ends of a pair of strands 9-9. These strands bridge the outer ends of the elastic element as clearly shown in Figure2 and inv the use of the catapult the projectile is inserted between these strands.

The projectiles are shown in Figures 4 to 9 inclusive and in referring to the form shown in Figures 4 and 5 it can be seen that the projectile consists of an elongated cylindrical and slender body it! preferably made of wood which is pro vided with a bore I i in one end for loosely receiving an elongated pin I2, one end of which protrudes beyond the end of the body In and is pointed as at 13. The body H! is provided with a saddle for engagement with the strands 9-9 and this saddle may consist of a pin or cross member l4 disposed diametrically through the body 10 so as to project beyond opposite side portions thereof as in the manner substantially shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the use of the projectile this saddle extends vertically.

The form of the invention shown in Figure 7 vis quite similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5 in respect to the body Illa and the saddle pin I4 excepting in this form the pin I20. has the point I311. at one end fixed in the end of the body Illa.

Figures 8 and 9 represent still another form of the invention wherein the saddle member Mb is stream lined and is the end portion We of the projectile body lb. The pin I211 in this form can either be fixed to the body ilib as in the form shown in Figure 7 or loosely seated as in the iorm shown in Figure 5.

In the use of the device, the projectile is inserted butt end. first between the strands 9-9 till the strands 9--9 bear against the end portions of the saddle l4. (See Figure 1.) The projectile body I I] is now gripped at the butt end and the projectile drawn backwardly tensioning the elastic member. Upon releasement of the projectile the same will be projected through the fork 5 and there will be no tendency for the projectile to drive upwardly or downwardly due to any unequal application of force, as the force will be applied equally on opposite sides of the body It. Furthermore, with the location of the saddle at the exact center of gravity of the projectile, the projectile will have a tendency to travel in a straight line until its force is spent, instead of having a tail spin or some other tortuous movement that will prevent accurate projection.

When the form of the invention shown in Figing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

A projectile for catapults comprising an elongated rod-like body, and a force receiving saddle provided at its center point oi'gravity, said saddle projecting laterally from each side of said body, the opposed sides of said saddle converging rearwardly and the front edges converging forwardly. 10

JOHN H. BARBIE. 

